DescriptionThe SCANS II datasets housed at the National Biodiversity Data Centre collectively represent an abbreviated version of a larger Europe-wide SCANS II survey dataset held by the University of St Andrews and partner organisations/agencies contributing to the project which was conducted between 2004-2008. In this, only the following aerial and ship-based cetacean sighting data respectively are held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre: sighting Date, Species, Latitude, Longitude and Comments (where applicable).

Date uploaded to database23/06/2016

Last updated12/09/2016

Purpose of data captureThe data were captured to investigate and estimate with relative accuracy the summer abundance, density and distribution of small cetaceans in western European waters with an emphasis on Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other small toothed cetaceans. The SCANS II project represented a comparable and repeat survey of an earlier transnational survey (SCANS) carried out in the summer of 1994.

Methods of data captureThese sighting data were captured by experienced trained personnel in fixed wing aircraft as well as aboard large research ships using a Double Platform line transect methodology. Records of cetaceans seen directly by visual observers were logged using on-board computerised recording systems. Data from on-effort sightings (i.e., while undertaking a prescribed survey line or transect) and also off-effort sightings (i.e., while not undertaking a prescribed line/transect) were both captured. All cetacean detections were validated, quality-controlled and their positions determined using established scientific practice.

Geographical coverageThe dataset held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre consists of records from coastal and marine waters within Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Temporal coverage28 June - 26 July 2005

Data qualityA rigorous and structured process of data quality control was performed by the SCANS II survey team, including during the data collection phase, the post-survey phase and the analytical phase prior to final reporting and release of copies of the master datasets to project partners by the lead organisation. Consequently the data quality can be considered as High.

Dataset statusThe dataset held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre is a much abbreviated version of the full sighting and effort/environmental data gathered during the SCANS II survey of western European waters. Master copies are held by the University of St Andrews and also University College Cork and the National Parks & Wildlife Service as the Irish partners to the project.

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The National Biodiversity Data Centre is an Initiative of the Heritage Council and is operated under a service level agreement by Compass Informatics. The data centre is funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and the Heritage Council.